by Sue McCullough
As the holiday season is upon us and the year’s end is near, I personally use this time to reflect on the passing year and ask myself a few questions. How have I spent my time this year and how have I spent my dollars? What have I done for myself this year and more importantly, what have I done for others? Finally, what else might I like to do before the year ends?
I’ve spent the past few weeks gathering information from local nonprofit and service organizations to
compile Volunteer Connection’s annual Holiday Guide. The Holiday Guide provides our community with a variety of holiday-specific volunteer opportunities, donation ideas and adopt-a-family & sponsor programs. It’s a great resource for alternative giving options and I’m always amazed to learn of our community needs during this holiday season.
I have to say, it’s really tough to choose from so many great programs. Would I like to cook and enjoy Thanksgiving Day dinner with runaway and homeless teens? Would I like to spend Christmas Day bringing a senior to a holiday meal? Would I like to put food bags together for those that would otherwise go without? Or would I like to experience the smile on a child’s face as I give out toys? If I don’t have extra time to give this season I can buy socks and mittens to donate, I can purchase grocery, gas and/or gift cards to drop off at a local nonprofit or I can pick up some extra food items while at the grocery store to take to a local food bank or pantry. The list is endless and the need is great. And as I said, it’s hard to choose from so many great programs.
The important thing for me is that I choose to do something for someone else before the year ends. Volunteering or making a donation in support of our local nonprofits is truly a meaningful and rewarding way to give. Whatever you choose, know that your support is very much needed and very much appreciated. What have you done for others this year? What else might you like to do before the year ends? I encourage all of us to give some extra time or some extra dollars this season. I hope the Holiday Guide will help you choose a great way, or several ways, to give before the year ends!
Sue McCullough is the Director of Foothills United Way’s Volunteer Connection
